HERBAL MONOGRAPHS GREEN TEA/371infusion of Chinese Green Tea polyphenols (CTP) for 5
minutes. Plaque Index and Gingival Index decreased signifi-
cantly (p < 0.001) after a 0.2% CTP rinse and brush regimen
was used by the shidy participants. The authors conclude that
CTP is an effective agent to prevent dental caries (Chung,(^1) 1993).
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Though no Commission E monograph is available for Green
Tea, there is clinical evidence that Green Tea is likely to be
useful as a cancer preventive and as a preventive for dental
caries.
Unproven Uses: Internal application: Green Tea is used for
stomach disorders, migraine, symptoms of fatigue, vomiting
and diarrhea when taken as a beverage. It can be used to
increase performance (stimulant effect).
Homeopathic Uses: Camellia sinensis is used for cardiac and
circulatory conditions, headaches, states of agitation, states
of depression and stomach complaints.
Indian Medicine: In India, tea preparations are used for
diarrhea, loss of appetite, hyperdipsia, migraine, cardiac
pain, fever and fatigue.
Chinese Medicine: In China Green Tea is used to treat
migraine, nausea, diarrhoea resulting from malaria and
digestion problems. It is also used as a cancer preventive.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
General: No health hazards are known in conjunction with
the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages.
Side effects of tea consumption are possible with persons
who have sensitive stomachs, chiefly due to the chlorogenic
acid and tannin content. Hyperacidity, gastric irritation,
reduction of appetite, as well as obstipation or diarrhea,
could be the result of intense tea consumption. These side
effects can be generally avoided by the addition of milk
(reduction of the chlorogenic acid and other tannins).
Care should be taken with patients that have weakened
cardiovascular systems, renal diseases, thyroid hyperfunc-
tion, elevated susceptibility to spasm and certain psychic
disorders, such as panicky states of anxiety. With long-term
intake of dosages above 1.5 g caffeine per day, non-specific
symptoms occur, such as restlessness, irritability, sleepless-
ness, palpitation, vertigo, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
and headache.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women should not exceed a dosage of
300 mg per day (5 cups of tea spread out over the course of a
day).
Nursing Mothers: Infants whose nursing mothers consume
beverages containing caffeine could suffer from sleep
disorders.
Children: There have been reports of microcytic anemia in
infants that were fed an average of 250 ml Green Tea daily.
This effect may possibly be due to impairment of iron
metabolism (Merhav, 1985).
Drug Interactions: The resorption of alkaline medications
can be delayed because of chemical bonding with the
tannins.
OVERDOSAGE
Overdosage (quantities corresponding to more than 300 mg
caffeine, or 5 cups of tea as a beverage) can lead to
restlessness, tremor and elevated reflex excitability. The first
signs of poisoning are vomiting and abdominal spasm. Fatal
poisonings are not possible with tea beverages.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Green Tea is administered as an
infusion or in capsule form for internal use.
How Supplied: The usual concentration of total polyphenols
in dried Green Tea leaf is around 8% to 12%. One cup of
Green Tea normally contains 50 to 100 milligrams polyphe-
nols (Murray & Pizzorno, 1998; Yamamoto, 1997).
Capsules — 100 mg, 150 mg, 175 mg, 333 mg, 383 mg, 500
mg
Liquid — 1:1
Tablets — 100 mg
Dried extract (instant tea) — Processed using steam extrac-
tion followed by drying
Filter tea bags — Available commercially containing 1.8 to
2.2 gm tea
Preparation: To prepare a tea, boiling water is poured over a
heaped teaspoon of leaf tea, a level teaspoon of crushed
leaves or a tea bag and left to draw for 3 to 10 minutes as
required. The caffeine is almost completely drawn after
approximately 3 minutes. The tannin-containing substance
(and with it the antidiarrheal action) increases when the tea is
left to brew.
Daily Dosage: A daily dose of 300 to 400 mg of polyphenols
is typical. The amount of polyphenols in 3 cups of Green Tea
is between 240 and 320 mg.
Homeopathic Dosage: 5 to 10 drops, 1 tablet or 5 to 10
globules 1 to 3 times daily or 1 ml injection solution sc twice
weekly (HAB1).
Storage: Store tightly sealed and dried; store separately from
other chemicals and aromatic substances.
LITERATURE
Anonym, Griiner Tee schutzt vor Krebs. In: DAZ 137(24):2045.
1997.